DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Background

THE APOSTLE OF MERCY

Blessed Faustina was born Helena Kowalska in the village of Glogowiec west of Lodi, Poland, on August 25, 1905. She was the third of ten children. When she was almost twenty, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, whose members devote themselves to the care and education of troubled young women.

The following year she received her religious habit and was given the name Sister Maria Faustina, to which she added "of the Most Blessed Sacrament," as was permitted by her Congregation's custom. In the 1930s, Sister Faustina received from the Lord a message of mercy that she was told to spread throughout the world. She was asked to become the apostle and secretary of God's mercy, a model of how to be merciful to others, and an instrument for reemphasizing God's plan of mercy for the world.
It was not a glamorous prospect. Her entire life, in imitation of Christ's, was to be a sacrifice --- a life lived for others. At the Divine Lord's request, she willingly offered her personal sufferings in union with Him to atone for the sins of others; in her daily life she was to become a doer of mercy, bringing joy and peace to others; and by writing about God's mercy, she was to encourage others to trust in Him and thus prepare the world for His coming again.

Convinced of her own unworthiness, and terrified at the thought of trying to write anything, she nonetheless began keeping a diary in 1934 in obedience to the express wishes of her spiritual director, and then of Our Lord Himself. For four years she recorded Divine revelations and mystical experiences, together with her own inmost thoughts, insights, and prayers. The result is a book of some 600 printed pages that, in simple language, repeats and clarifies the gospel story of God's love for His people, emphasizing, above all, the need to trust in His loving action in all the aspects of our lives.

It also reveals an extraordinary example of how to respond to God's mercy and manifest it to others.
Blessed F~ustina's spiritual life was based on deep humility, purity of intention, and loving obedience to the will of God in imitation of the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Her special devotion to Mary Immaculate and to the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance gave her the strength to bear all the suffering that God willed for her. She died at the age of thirthy-three from tuberculosis and was canonized by Pope John Paul II.

    According to Jesus' wish, this Mercy Sunday is to be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Jesus is showing us the close connection between the Easter mystery of man's Redemption and tHis mercy. The liturgy for this day extols God most fully in the mystery of His mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday is to be not only a day designated for the singular worship of God's Mercy, but also a day of grace for all people, particularly for sinners. Jesus attached great promises to this feast, the greatest of which is connected with the reception of Holy Communion on that day. It is the promise of complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. In other words, this grace is equal only to the one we receive in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. The greatness of this day lies also in the fact that everyone, even those who are converted that very day, may obtain any grace for the asking, if what they ask for be compatible with God's will. I want this image, Jesus told Sister Faustina . . . to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especwlly for poor sinners, On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy, The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are open all the Divine floodgates through which graces flow, let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.

Please note that this promise is not technically a plenary indulgence, for only the Church can grant one, but since the promise comes directly from Our Lord, the full remittance promised is the same as if it were.

The Feast of My Mercy has issued forth from My very depths for the consolation of the whole world and is confirmed in the vast depths of My tender mercies.

The preparation for this feast is to be a novena consisting of the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for nine days, beginning on Good Friday.

Begin the Novena on Good Friday and it will conclude with Divine Mercy Sunday [this year: 2006] April 23.

Novena before the Feast of Mercy

I desire, Jesus told Sister Faustina, that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever graces they need in the hardships of life and, especially, at the hour of death. On each day you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls, and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father . . . on each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls.

First Day:

Today, bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.

Most Merciful Jesus, Whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Thine infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of Thee by Thy love which unites Thee to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Thy mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Thy mercy forever and ever. Amen

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Second Day:

Today bring to Me the souls of priests and religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me the strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My mercy flows out upon mankind.

Most Merciful Jesus, from Whom comes all that is good, increase Thy grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy Who is in Heaven. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the company (of chosen ones) in Thy vineyard –-- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Thy blessing. For the love of the Heart of Thy Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them Thy power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Thy boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Third Day

Today bring to Me all devout and faithful souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Thy mercy, Thou dost impart Thy graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of Thee by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Thy Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Thy Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Thy blessing and surround them with Thy constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love, or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Thy boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Fourth Day:

Today bring to Me the pagans and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.

Most Compassionate Jesus, Thou art the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know Thee. Let the rays of Thy grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Thy wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Thy Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know Thee, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love Thee. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Thy mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Fifth Day:

Today bring to Me the souls of heretics and schismatics, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart; that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate My Passion.

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness, Itself, Thou dost not refuse light to those who seek it of Thee. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Thy light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to adore the generosity of Thy mercy. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Thy blessings and misused Thy graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Thine Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Thy great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Sixth Day:

Today bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who would keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is able to receive My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, Thou Thyself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all Heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Thy Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Thy Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Thy very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg Thee by the love Thou dost bear these souls and by the delight Thou takest in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Thy mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Seventh Day:

Today bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of Hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Thy mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Thy mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Thy mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Thy greatest attribute, that of Thy fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to Thee, O Most High! I beg Thee O God: Show them Thy mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in Thee. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, Who saidst to them, I Myself will defend as My Own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Eighth Day:

Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these Souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.

Most Merciful Jesus, Thou Thyself have said that Thou desirest mercy; so I bring into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the Souls in Purgatory, Souls who are very dear to Thee, and yet, who must make retribution to Thy justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Thy Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Thy mercy may be praised. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the Souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg Thee, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Thy Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Thy mercy to the Souls who are under Thy just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Thy dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Thy goodness and compassion.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Ninth Day:

Today bring to Me souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: "Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Thy will." For them, the last hope of salvation is to flee to my mercy.

Most compassionate Jesus, Thou art Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Thy pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled Thee with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Thy mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Thy love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Thy power. Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg Thee by the bitter Passion of Thy son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Thy mercy.

Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy

In 1935, Saint Faustina received a vision of an Angel sent by God to chastise a certain city. She began to pray for mercy, but her prayers were powerless. Suddenly she saw the Holy Trinity and felt the power of Jesus' grace within her. At the same time, she found herself pleading with God for mercy with words she heard interiorly:

As she continued saying this inspired prayer, the Angel became helpless and could not carry out the deserved punishment (see Diary, 474, 475).

The next day, as she was entering the chapel, she again heard this interior voice, instructing her how to recite the prayer that our Lord later called "the Chaplet." From then on, she recited this form of prayer almost constantly, offering it especially for the dying.

In subsequent revelations, the Lord made it clear that the Chaplet was not just for her, but for the whole world. He also attached extraordinary promises to its recitation.

Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you (Diary, 1541). Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death (Diary, 687). When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Savior (Diary, 1541). Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy (Diary, 687). I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy (Diary, 687). Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will (Diary, 1731).

Prayed on ordinary rosary beads, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is an intercessory prayer that extends the offering of the Eucharist, so it is especially appropriate to use it after having received Holy Communion at Holy Mass. It may be said at any time, but our Lord specifically told Saint Faustina to recite it during the nine days before the Feast of Mercy (the first Sunday after Easter). He then added: By this Novena, [of Chaplets] I will grant every possible grace to souls (Diary, 796).

It is likewise appropriate to pray the Chaplet during the "Hour of Great Mercy" three o'clock each afternoon (recalling the time of Christ's death on the cross). In His revelations to Saint Faustina, Our Lord asked for a special remembrance of His Passion at that hour.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (on ordinary rosary beads)

Begin with: one Our Father, one Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed.

On large beads before each decade (usually the Our Father bead) recite:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the 10 small beads of each decade (normally the Hail Mary bead):

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Conclude after five decades with:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world (3 times).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance

Jesus' words to Sister Faustina:
 
When you go to Confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flow down upon your soul and ennoble it. Every time you go to Confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls (1602).
Tell souls where they are to look for solace; that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy. There the greatest miracles take place (and) are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's misery and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no (hope of) restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God's mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late (1448).

Holy Communion

The graces Our Lord has prepared for the Feast of Mercy are connected with full participation in Holy Mass. This includes receiving Holy Communion, to which the promise of complete forgiveness of sins and punishment is attached.

Jesus' words to Sister Faustina:

I desire to unite Myself with human souls . . . When I come to a human heart in Holy Communion, My hands are full of all kinds of graces which I want to give to the soul. But souls do not even pay any attention to Me, they leave Me to Myself and busy themselves with other things. Oh, how sad I am that souls do not recognize Love! (1385).

Oh, how painful it is to Me that souls so seldom unite themselves to Me in Holy Communion. I wait for souls, and they are indifferent toward Me. I love them tenderly and sincerely, and they distrust Me. I want to lavish My graces on them, and they do not want to accept them. They treat Me as a dead object, whereas My Heart is full of love and mercy (1447).

Holy Communion in the life of Sister Faustina

The most solemn moment of my life is the moment when I receive Holy Communion. I long for each Holy Communion, and for every Holy Communion I give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity (1804).

Today, I prepare for the coming of the King.

What am I, and Who art Thou, O Lord, King of eternal glory? O my heart, are you aware of Who is coming to you today? Yes, I know, but --- strangely --- I am not able to grasp it. Oh, if He were just a king, but He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Before Him, all power and dominion tremble. He is coming to my heart today . . .

I hear Him approaching. I go out to meet Him and invite Him. When He entered the dwelling of my heart, it was filled with such reverence that it fainted with fear, falling at His feet. Jesus gives her His hand and graciously permits her to take her place beside Him. He reassures her saying, See, I have left My heavenly throne to become united with you. What you see is just a tiny part and already your soul swoons with love. How amazed will your heart be when you see Me in all My glory. But I want to tell you that eternal life must begin already here on earth through Holy Communion. Each Holy Communion makes you more capable of communing with God throughout eternity (1810).

THE HOUR OF MERCY

As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul (1320).

It is Jesus' desire that the moment of His Death on the Cross (3:00 p.m).) be venerated every day; the hour which He said was the hour of grace for the whole world --- mercy triumphed over justice (1572). At this hour, He wants us to meditate upon His sorrowful Passion because it reveals most distinctly the love God has for His people. At this time Jesus wants us to worship and glorify the Mercy of God, and, by the merits of His passion, to implore the necessary graces for ourselves and the whole world, especially for sinners.

Try your best. Jesus instructed Sister Faustina, to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Blessed Sacrament, My heart, which is full of mercy, and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant (1572).

This is the hour, as Jesus promised, in which you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking (1572). I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion (1320).

The Hour of Mercy is associated explicitely with three o'clock in the afternoon. Our prayers at this time should be directed to Jesus, and our petitions should appeal to the merits of His sorrowful Passion.

Prayers at the Hour of Mercy

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in Thee (187).

Thou Thyself, Jesus, surely out of love for us, underwent such a terrible Passion. Thy Father's justice would have been propitiated with a single sigh from Thee, and all Thy self-abasement is solely the work of Thy mercy and Thy inconceivable love.  . . . At the moment of Thy death on the Cross, Thou didst bestow upon us eternal life; allowing Thy most holy side to be opened, Thou didst open an inexhaustible spring of mercy for us, giving us Thy dearest possession, the Blood and Water from Thy Heart. Such is the omnipotence of Thy mercy. From it all grace flows to us (1747).

O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon Thee and beg Thy mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with Thee for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of Thee light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Thine Own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Thy most precious Blood.

O Jesus, stretched out upon the Cross, I implore Thee, give me the grace of doing faithfully the most holy will of Thy Father, in all things, always and everywhere. And when this will of God will seem to me very harsh and difficult to fulfill, it is then I beg Thee, Jesus, may power and strength flow upon me from Thy Wounds, and may my lips keep repeating, "Thy will be done, O Lord."

0 Savior of the world, Lover of man's salvation, Who in such terrible torment and pain, forgot Thyself to think only of the salvation of souls, O most compassionate Jesus, grant me the grace to forget myself that I may live totally for souls, helping Thee in the work of salvation, according to the most holy will of Thy Father (1265).

Thou didst expire, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Thyself out upon us (1319).

SPREADING THE DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION

Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior (1075). By these words, Jesus is encouraging us to spread the worship of Divine Mercy; He has promised maternal care to those who do so by shielding them throughout their entire life and at the hour of death. He made a singular promise to priests saying, Hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words, when they will speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. To priests who will proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power, and I will annoint their words and touch the hearts of those'to whom they will speak (1521).

The foundation for the worship and apostolate of Divine Mercy is the testimony of one's own life according to the spirit of this devotion; namely, the spirit of childlike confidence in the goodness and omnipotence of God, accompanied by an active love of one's neighbor.

All those souls, Jesus said, who will glorify My mercy and spread its worship, encouraging others to trust in My mercy, will not experience terror at the hour of death. My mercy will shield them in that final battle (1540).

The Praises of the Divine Mercy

The Love of God is the flower --- Mercy the fruit. Let the doubting soul read these considerations on Divine Mercy and become trusting.

Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, fount gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in the founding of Holy Church, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us at every moment of our life, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of Hell, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, crown of all of God's handiwork, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls, I trust in Thee.
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope, I trust in Thee.

Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Thy mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Thy holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself (950).

O incomprehensible and limitless Mercy Divine, to extol and adore Thee worthily, who can? Supreme attribute of Almighty God, Thou art the sweet hope for sinful man (951).

BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

I adore Thee, Lord and Creator, hidden in the Blessed Sacranlent. I adore Thee for all the works of Thy hands, that reveal to me so much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord. Thou hast spread so much beauty over the earth, and it tells me about Thy beauty, even though these beautiful things are but a faint reflection of Thee, Incomprehensible Beauty. And although Thou hast hidden Thyself and concealed Thy beauty, my eye, enlightened by faith, reaches Thee, and my soul recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good; and my heart is completely immersed in prayer of adoration.

My Lord and Creator, Thy goodness encourages me to converse with Thee. Thy mercy abolishes the chasm which separates the Creator from the creature. To converse with Thee, O Lord, is the delight of my heart. In Thee I find everything that my heart could desire. Here Thy light illumines my mind, enwling it to know Thee more and more deeply. Here streams of graces flow down upon my heart. Here my soul draws eternal life.

O my Lord and Creator, Thou alone, beyond all these gifts, givest Thy Own self to me and doth unites Thyself intimately with Thy miserable creature. Here, without searching for words, our hearts understand each other. Here, no one is able to interrupt our conversation. What I talk to Thee about, Jesus, is our secret, which creatures shall not know.  . . . These are secret acts of forgiveness, known only to Jesus and me; this is the mystery of His mercy, which embraces each soul separately. For this incomprehensible goodness of Thine, I adore Thee, O Lord and Creator, with all my heart and all my soul. And, although my worship is so little and poor, I am at peace because I know that Thou knowest it is sincere, however inadequate . . . (1692).

IN THANKSGIVING

O Jesus, eternal God, I thank Thee for Thy countless graces and blessings. Let every beat of my heart be a new hymn of thanksgiving to Thee, O God. Let every drop of my blood circulate for Thee, Lord. My soul is one hymn in adoration of Thy mercy. I love Thee, God, for Thyself alone (1794).

FOR DIVINE MERCY FOR THE WORLD

  O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Thy mercy --- to Thy compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth's exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who art acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to Thee, we implore Thee: anticipate us with Thy grace and keep on increasing Thy mercy is us, that we may faithfully do Thy holy will all through our life and at death's hour. Let the omnipotence of Thy mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation's enemies, that we may with confidence, as Thy children, await Thy final coming --- that day known to Thee alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our hope: Through His merciful Heart, as through an open gate, we pass through to Heaven (1570).

FOR THE HOLY CHURCH AND PRIESTS

  Omy Jesus, I beg Thee on behalf of the whole Church: Grant [her] love and the light of Thy Spirit, and give power to the words of priests so that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; Thou Thyself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Thy mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil's traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Thy mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for Thou canst do all things (1052).

Jesus, my most beloved, I beg Thee for the triumph of the Church, for blessings on the Holy Father, and on all the clergy; for the grace of conversion for impenitent sinners. And I ask Thee for a special blessing and for light, O Jesus, for the priests before whom I will make my confessions throughout my lifetime (240).

FOR ONE'S COUNTRY

Most merciful Jesus, I beseech Thee through the intercession of Thy Saints, and especially the intercession of Thy dearest Mother who nurtured Thee from childhood, bless my native land. I beg Thee, Jesus, look not on our sins, but on the tears of little children, on the hunger and cold they suffer. Jesus, for the sake of these innocent ones, grant me the grace that I am asking of Thee for my country (286).

TO OBTAIN LOVE OF GOD

Most sweet Jesus, set on fire my Love for Thee and transform me into Thyself. Divinize me that my deeds may be pleasing to Thee. May this be accomplished by the power of the Holy Communion which I receive daily (1289).

INVOCATIONS OF TRUST

O my God, my only hope, I have placed all my trust in Thee, and I know I shall not be disappointed (317).

I know the full power of Thy mercy, and I trust that Thou wilt give me everything Thy feeble child needs (898).

O Jesus, concealed in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, my only love and mercy, I commend to Thee all the needs of my body and soul. Thou canst help me, because Thou art mercy itself. In Thee lies all my hope (1751).

PRAYER OF TRUST

I fly to Thy mercy, Compassionate God, Who alone art good. Although my misery is great, and my offenses are many, I trust in Thy mercy, because Thou art the God of mercy; and, from time immemorial, it has never been heard of, nor do Heaven or earth remember, that a soul trusting in Thy mercy has been disappointed.

O God of compassion, Thou alone canst justify me, and Thou wilt never reject me when I, contrite, approach Thy merciful Heart, where no one has ever been refused, even if he were the greatest sinner (1730).

FOR THE GRACE TO BE MERCIFUL TO OTHERS

I want to be completely transformed into Thy Mercy and to be Thy living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all Divine attributes, that of Thy unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.

Help me,  Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.

Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one, I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Thy Mercy, O Lord, rest upon me (163).

FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

God of great mercy, Who deigned to send us Thy Only-begotten Son as the greatest proof of Thy fathomless love and mercy, Thou doth not reject sinners; but in Thy boundless mercy Thou hast opened for them also Thy treasures, treasures from which they can draw abundantly, not only justification, but also all the sanctity that a soul can attain. Father of great mercy, I desire that all hearts turn with confidence to Thy infinite mercy. No one will be justified before Thee if he is not accompanied by Thy unfathomable mercy. When Thou revealest the mystery of Thy mercy to us, there will not be enough of eternity to properly thank Thee for it (1122).

O Jesus, how sorry I feel for poor sinners. Jesus, grant them contrition and repentance. Remember Thy Own sorrowful Passion. I know Thy infinite mercy and cannot bear it that a soul that has cost Thee so much should perish. Jesus, give me the souls of sinners; let Thy mercy rest upon them. Take everything away from me, but give me souls. I want to become a sacrificial host for sinners. Let the shell of my body conceal my offering, for Thy Most Sacred Heart is also hidden in a Host, and certainly Thou art a living sacrifice. Transform me into Thyself, O Jesus, that I may be a living sacrifice and pleasing to Thee. I desire to atone at each moment for poor sinners.

O my Creator and Father of great mercy, I trust in Thee, for Thou art Goodness Itself (908).

IN TIMES OF SUFFERING

O Living Host, support me in this exile, that I may be empowered to walk faithfully in the footsteps of the Savior. I do not ask, Lord, that Thou takest me down from the cross, but I implore Thee to give me the strength to remain steadfast upon it. I want to be stretched out upon the cross as Thou wert, Jesus. I want all the tortures and pains that Thou didst suffer. I want to drink the cup of bitterness to the dregs (1484).

O my Jesus, give me strength to endure suffering so that I may not make a wry face when I drink the cup of bitterness. Help me Thyself to make my sacrifice pleasing to Thee. May it not be tainted by my self-love. May everything that is in me, both my misery and my strength, give praise to Thee, O Lord (1740).

FOR A HAPPY DEATH

O merciful Jesus, stretched on the Cross, be mindful of the hour of our death. O most merciful Heart of Jesus, opened with a lance, shelter me at the last moment of my life. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of unfathomable mercy for me (cleanse me of my sins and offenses). O dying Jesus, Hostage of mercy, avert the Divine wrath at the hour of my death (813).
 
 O my Jesus, may the last days of my exile be spent totally according to Thy most holy will. I unite my sufferings, my bitterness and my last agony itself to Thy Sacred Passion; and I offer myself for the whole world to implore an abundance of God's mercy for souls, and in particular for the souls (of sinners). I firmly trust and commit myself entirely to Thy holy will, which is mercy itself. Thy mercy will be everything for me at the last hour (1574).

TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

O Mary, my Mother and my Lady, I offer thee my soul, my body, my life and my death, and all that will follow it. I place everything in thy hands. O my Mother, cover my soul with thy virginal mantle and grant me the grace of purity of heart, soul and body. Defend me with thy power against all enemies. O lovely Lily! Thou art for me a mirror, O my Mother! (79)

Mother of God, thy soul was plunged into a sea of bitterness; look upon thy child and teach it to suffer and to love while suffering. Fortify my soul that pain will not break it. Mother of grace, teach me to live by (the power of) God (315).

O sweet Mother of God, I model my life on thee; Thou art for me the bright dawn; in thee I lose myself, enraptured. O Mother, Immaculate Virgin, in thee the Divine ray is reflected, midst storms, 'tis thee who teachest me to love the Lord, O my shield and defense from the foe (1232).

PRAYER TO OBTAIN GRACES
 
through the intercession of Saint Faustina
O Jesus, Who filled Blessed Faustina with profound veneration for Thy boundless Mercy, deign, if it be Thy holy will, to grant me, through her intercession, the grace for which I fervently pray . . .

My sins render me unworthy of Thy Mercy, but be mindful of Saint Faustina's spirit of sacrifice and self-denial, and reward her virtue by granting the petition which, with childlike trust, I present to Thee through her intercession.

Our Father . . ., Hail Mary . . ., Glory Be . . .,
 Blessed Faustina, pray for us.

OUR LADY OF MERCY [OUR LADY OF RANSOM]

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY

"Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy . .. " For centuries people have invoked Mary under this title, and
for Saint Faustina, Mary was a constant source of God's mercy, as mother, guardian, teacher, and intercessor. From Mary she received a special gift of purity, strength in suffering, and countless lessons on the spiritual life. "Mary is my Instructress," she writes, "who is ever teaching me how to live for God (620) . . . The more I imitate the Mother of God, the more deeply I get to know God (843) . . . before every Holy Communion, I earnestly ask the Mother of God to help me prepare my soul for the coming of her Son (114) . . . She has taught me how to love God interiorly and also how to carry out His will in all things (40) . . .O Mary, my Mother, I place everything in thy hands (79) . . . Thou art joy, because through thee God descended to earth and into my heart" (40).

Our Lady of Mercy has a special devotion all over Spain and Latin America, and the United States as well as in Europe and Asia, derived from the 1218 apparition and promoted by the Order of Mercy which was founded as in were in the very face of the Moors; and hence it originally numbered more knights than clerics among its members. It was called the royal, military, and religious Order of our Lady of Mercy for the ransom of captives. The clerics were charged with the celebration of the Divine Office in the commandaries; the knights guarded the coasts, and undertook the perilous enterprise of ransoming Christian captives. St. Peter Nolasco was the first Commander or Grand Master of the Order; when his relics were discovered, he was found armed with sword and cutlass.  . . .

At the time when the Saracen yoke oppressed the larger and more fertile part of Spain, and great numbers of the faithful were detained in cruel servitude, at the great risk of denying the Christian faith and losing their eternal salvation, the most blessed Queen of Heaven graciously came to remedy all these great evils, and showed her exceeding charity in redeeming her children. She appeared with beaming countenance to Peter Nolasco, a man conspicuous for wealth and piety, who in his holy meditations was ever striving to devise some means of helping the innumerable Christians living in misery as captives of the Moors. She told him it would be very pleasing to her and her only-begotten Son, if a religious Order were instituted in her honor, whose members should devote themselves to delivering captives from Turkish tyranny. The title was promoted by the congregation of the Mercedarians: a feast in her honor was proclaimed in 1615 to commemorate the apparition. Until 1961 celebrated on September 24, it is no longer part of the modern liturgical calendar and has the rank of a commemoration. For more, click Our Lady of Ransom.

The most famous Latin American reference to Our Lady of Mercy is that of Peru. She is by many considered the patroness of Peru and received in 1921 the title of Grand Marshall of Peru. The image of the Peruvian Lady of Mercy is the same as that shown on the Divine Mercy Collage, Page 1 of this section. The image above is that of the statue in the united States. We do not have the full image: there is a beautiful Angel clasping the Christ Child's feet and another at the side of Our Lady. The scapular is that of the Mercedians.

THE HOLY IMAGE OF DIVINE MERCY

 In 1931, Our Lord appeared to Blessed Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus clothed in a white garment with His right hand raised in blessing. His left hand was touching His garment in the area of the heart, from where two large rays came forth, one red and the other pale. She gazed intently at the Lord in silence, her soul filled with awe, but also with great joy. Jesus said to her: Paint an image according to the pattern you see with the signature: Jesus, I trust in Thee . . . I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My Own glory (47, 48) . . . I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: "Jesus, I trust in Thee" (327) . . . I desire that this image be vene ated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47).

At the request of her spiritual director, Sister Faustina asked the Lord about the meaning of the rays in the image. She heard these words in reply:

The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross . . . Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299) . . . By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742).

Many different versions of this image have been painted, but Our Lord made it clear that the painting itself is not what is important.

When Saint Faustina first saw the original image that was being painted under her direction, she wept in disappointment and complained to Jesus: "Who will paint You as beautiful as You are?" (313) In answer she heard these words: Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace (313).
 
So, no matter which version of the image we prefer, we can be assured that it is a vehicle of God's grace if it is revered with trust in His mercy.

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